Studios Battle for Rights as ‘Scream 7’ Debuts with Iconic Ghostface

Scream 7 is set to hit theaters on February 27, 2024. As the release date approaches, promotional activities are increasing. However, the excitement surrounding the film is overshadowed by a legal dispute involving the rights to the iconic Ghostface mask.

Legal Battle Over Ghostface Mask

Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group are currently engaged in litigation against SFX studio Alterian Ghost Factory. According to reports from industry insiders, the dispute revolves around the ownership of the Ghostface mask, which has been a central figure in the Scream franchise for nearly three decades.

The Origins of the Ghostface Mask

• The Ghostface mask was originally developed by Fun World in the early 1990s.
• Producer Marianne Maddalena discovered the mask, leading to its licensing for the Scream films.
• It has been featured in every film in the franchise, except for the MTV adaptation.

Alterian claims that it created the initial design of the mask before Fun World licensed it to Paramount. In contrast, Paramount argues that Alterian has had ample opportunity to assert its rights but failed to do so, thereby forfeiting any claim to the mask.

Paramount’s Stance

In its legal response, Paramount emphasizes that Alterian has never conclusively proven its ownership of the Ghostface mask. The studio portrays Alterian’s actions as an attempt to undermine the upcoming release of Scream 7. Paramount’s complaint states, “seeking to disrupt the release of a completed motion picture mere weeks before its release is an outrageous attempt to shake down [Paramount and Spyglass].”

Looking Ahead

With Scream 7 debuting soon, the legal struggle for the rights to Ghostface may extend beyond the film’s premiere. Fans of the franchise and the horror genre are keenly watching how this situation unfolds.

As the film industry continues to navigate issues of copyright and ownership, this particular case highlights the complexities surrounding iconic characters and designs in popular culture.